Be Well Sis: The Podcast

What’s in a name? For many of us—especially those with names rooted in culture and history—everything. In this heartwarming episode, I sit down with sisters Peace and Ndidi Amadi, co-authors of the powerful and joy-filled children’s book Chi Chi and Didi Love Their Names.We explore the inspiration behind their debut picture book, which centers two Nigerian-American sisters learning to love and stand proudly in their names. From navigating cultural identity to honoring the immigrant experience, Peace and Ndidi share a deeply personal journey of storytelling, sisterhood, and self-advocacy.Whether you’re a parent, educator, book lover, or someone who has ever had to correct the pronunciation of your name, this episode is a celebration of diversity, belonging, and the magic of seeing yourself reflected in literature.Key Takeaways:Cultural names are stories in themselves—and they deserve respect.Representation in books can shape how children see the world—and themselves.Personal growth often comes through the challenges we didn’t expect but needed.Joy lives in the moments where we choose to be fully, unapologetically ourselves.**Click to her purchase Chichi and Didi Love Their Names!**Guest Spotlight: Although most people now know Peace Amadi by her middle name, her first name is Chinyere and she is the real-life Chichi. Peace is a psychology professor, author, and speaker, and her work lies at the intersection of mental health, faith, and culture.Ndidi Amadi is the real-life Didi and has grown up to become a lawyer, educator, philanthropist and artist. Ndidi’s passion lies in supporting and creating equitable opportunities for underserved communities.Connect with the Authors on Instagram:@itspeaceamadi     and @legallyndidiConnect with me on socials- join the Be Well,Sis tribe on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube , and subscribe to the newsletter or buy me a coffee!If this episode resonated with you- share with a friend!We're supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital- head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact.Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have you’re on Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show!Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert.Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I’m joined by Dr. Donna Oriowo—award-winning therapist, educator, and author known for her bold, no-BS approach to identity, intimacy, and liberation. Together, we unpack the roots of self-esteem and explore how race, gender, and cultural conditioning shape how we see ourselves—and how we can begin to unlearn it all.We talk about:Why self-esteem isn’t just a personal journey—it’s politicalThe role of community and culture in how we view ourselvesThe connection between disembodiment, pleasure, and worthWhat true liberation and worthiness really feel likePractical ways to begin healing your sense of worth through joy, community, and intentionResources You Might Also Like:The Black Joy Playbook by Tracey Michae’l Lewis-GiggettsPast episode with Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts Be Well, Sis SubstackDrink Water and Mind Your Business by Dr. Donna OriowoThis episode is part of our Summer of Joy series—an invitation to do the deep work of coming back home to yourself with softness, honesty, and community.💌 Stay Connected:Loved this episode?Share it with a friend or your group chatLeave a review on Apple or SpotifyTag us @bewellsis_podcast and @drdonnaoriowo with your favorite momentAnd don’t forget to hydrate and mind your business. 🖤Guest Spotlight: Dr. Donna Oriowo (oreo-whoa!) LICSW, CST, is an award-winning DEI advocate, international speaker and certified sex and relationship therapist in the Washington D.C. metro area. Dr. Donna is the owner of private practice, AnnodRight, which specializes in working with Black women on issues related to colorism and texturism and its impacts on mental and sexual health. Dr. Donna specializes in working with Black women to feel Free, Fabulous, and F*cked! She is the author of Drink Water & Mind Your Business and Cocoa Butter & Hair Grease, and the host of a biweekly community space for Black women called In My Black Feelings. Dr. Donna collects inspiring quotes, eats donuts, loves pasta, travels to learn, gives COVID safe handshakes, warm hugs, and (figurative) knocks on the head.Sign up to my Summer of Joy journey through my substack here for journal prompts related to this episode! Connect with me on socials- join the Be Well,Sis tribe on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube , and subscribe to the newsletter or buy me a coffee!We're supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital- head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact.Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have you’re on Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show!Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert.Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever feel like you're doing all the things—and still questioning whether it’s enough? In this refreshingly real and laugh-out-loud conversation, I sit down with one of the funniest people I’ve ever met: Eboné, the powerhouse behind The Professional Homegirl Podcast.We talk exhaustion (like existential exhaustion), overachievement, spiritual resets, and how we are constantly navigating invisible pressures—from systemic racism to internalized grind culture. But it’s not all heavy. This is one of those convos that feels like a deep exhale and a glass of wine with your homegirl who gets it.In this episode, we explore:Why everyone (especially Black women) is just so. damn. tired.How to reprogram your mindset and reconnect with imaginationSpiritual practices that anchor us when we’re feeling depletedComparison culture, hustle fatigue, and redefining successA jaw-dropping story from The Professional Homegirl Podcast that’ll leave you stunnedPlus: Behind-the-scenes podcasting real talk and why telling your story might just save someone else's life.Connect with Eboné Almon:Follow her on Instagram → @theprofessionalhomegirl  Check out the show → The Professional Homegirl Podcast wherever you listen Connect with me on socials- join the Be Well,Sis tribe on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube , and subscribe to the newsletter or buy me a coffee!If this episode resonated with you- share with a friend!We're supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital- head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact.Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have you’re on Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show!Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert.Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this solo episode, Cassandre explores the emotional and mental shifts that come with motherhood, through the lens of matrescence — the ongoing process of becoming a mother.She shares how a recent experience reshaped her understanding of mothering, identity, and the importance of giving ourselves permission to feel — not just function.From quiet joys to the challenges that often go unnamed, Cassandre offers an honest look at the layered reality of motherhood.This episode is a gentle reflection for anyone who mothers — in ways both visible and invisible — and a reminder that change, vulnerability, and care are all part of the journey.Takeaways:Motherhood is layered, sacred, and often messy.Matrescence is a full-body, whole-life transformation.Black mothers deserve softness, support, and space to feel.You are allowed to evolve, to want more, and to need.Connect with me on socials- join the Be Well,Sis tribe on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube , and subscribe to the newsletter or buy me a coffee!If this episode resonated with you- share with a friend!We're supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital- head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact.Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have you’re on Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show!Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. This episode was edited by Victoria Marin. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert.Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who said too much TV isn't good for you? Hosts of the TV Doctor podcast are here to chat about why actually, TV can be the perfect prescription for your wellness. From community, to representation, to escapism, we dive into the many ways in which watching tv might just be what you need. In this episode, Dr. Cassandre Dunbar is joined by media experts Dr. Michele Foss and Ashley Johnson, the dynamic duo behind The TV Doc Podcast. Together, they unpack how television and media shape our sense of identity, belonging, and emotional wellness—especially for Black and mixed-race folks navigating representation and community in an often isolating world. In this episode, we discussed:How TV and media help shape self-perception and racial identityThe emotional and therapeutic impact of nostalgic showsFandom as a powerful form of community and connectionWhy representation on screen matters for our mental healthHow to raise media-savvy, critical-thinking kids in the YouTube ageWhether you're a lifelong Trekkie or someone who finds comfort in rewatching Living Single, this conversation will remind you of the deep impact media can have on our wellbeing.Guest Spotlight: Dr. Michele Foss is what happens when you combine a Professor of Rhetoric and Media in the Department of Communication Studies at Sacramento State University with an unapologetically nerdy pop culture fanatic. From the classes she teaches (ranging from Television Criticism to Media Aesthetics to Communication Theory to Methods of Fandom Studies) to the keynote addresses and invited lectures she delivers, Dr. Foss infuses heart, creativity, inclusivity, and fun into all she does. She uses her three fancy degrees and more than 25 years of boots-on-the-ground experience to make academic concepts accessible and "sticky" for her audiences. She also wears all the hats (creator, producer, editor, writer, and host) for her podcast, The TV Doctor, where she "prescribes" what you should be watching to heal your socio-cultural ailments. She's been recognized by her university for her excellence in teaching, community service, and scholarship/creative activity. Connect with me on socials- join the Be Well,Sis tribe on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube , and subscribe to the newsletter or buy me a coffee!If this episode resonated with you- share with a friend!We're supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital- head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact.Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have you’re on Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show!Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert.Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this solo episode of Be Well, Sis, Dr. Cassandre Dunbar shares reflections on travel, nature, and the power of pause. She recaps a joyful family trip to New Orleans, explores the healing benefits of gardening, and shares her current favorite hair care finds. Plus, she answers the first listener letter in the Not Well, Sis segment—reminding us that venting is a powerful form of self-care.If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or in need of a reset, this episode offers gentle reminders to slow down, savor beauty, and stay connected.Topics Covered:Family travel as a form of self-careHow gardening supports emotional wellnessFavorite hair care products right nowWhy venting matters for mental healthThe first-ever Not Well, Sis listener letterGot a “Not Well, Sis” submission? I’d love to hear it- Send it in here!Shop the products mentioned in the On My Radar Segment here!We're supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital- head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact.Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have you’re on Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show!Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert.Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

April is Stress Awareness Month, but let’s be honest—many of us have been stress-aware our whole lives. If you’ve been navigating anxiety, people-pleasing, burnout, or just feeling emotionally exhausted... This conversation is for you.In this episode of Be Well, Sis, I’m joined by NK—storyteller, mental wellness advocate, and host of the podcast Basket Case. We dive into an honest conversation about what it means to care for your mental health in real, practical, and deeply personal ways.NK shares her journey of navigating anxiety, internalized shame, and self-loathing—and how relocating to Mexico offered her a new way of living, healing, and connecting to emotional well-being. She also unpacks the power of storytelling to dismantle mental health stigma, and how ceremonial healing practices like temazcal helped her come back to her body and spirit.We explore what it looks like to move beyond surface-level self-care and begin to replenish yourself in ways that are culturally grounded, spiritually aligned, and emotionally honest.In this episode, we discuss:What high-functioning anxiety can feel like and how it shows upWhy storytelling matters in the fight against mental health stigmaNK’s decision to move to Mexico to support her mental wellnessHow conflict can actually strengthen relationships and build community careCeremonial healing and the role of practices like temazcal in emotional releaseWhy self-awareness and accountability are essential for personal growthHow to stop performing wellness and start living it—from the inside outMentioned in this episode:Temazcal ceremony (traditional Indigenous sweat lodge for detox + healing)Basket Case Podcast – a space for honest conversations about mental healthAbout NK:NK is a writer, speaker, and host of the Basket Case podcast—a mental health storytelling platform that centers the experiences of marginalized communities. Her work helps normalize emotional honesty, encourage personal growth, and challenge the systems that contribute to mental distress.🎧 Listen to Basket Case: Click here to listen!📸 Follow NK on IG here!Stay connected with me:✨ Subscribe to Be Well, Sis wherever you listen to podcasts💌 Subscribe to the newsletter!📱 Follow me on Instagram: @bewellsis_podcast💬 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!We're supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital- head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact.Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have you’re own Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show!Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert.Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re excited to bring you a special feed drop from Rom Com Vom, a miniseries from Sex Ed with DB that dives into the messy, funny, and sometimes uncomfortable themes in our favorite romantic comedies.This clip comes from their episode on How Stella Got Her Groove Back, where host Danielle Bezalel is joined by Dr. Candice Nicole — award-winning psychologist, associate professor at Emory University, and author of Good Sex: Stories, Science, and Strategies for Sexual Liberation. They dig into how the film handles sexuality, age gaps, grief, and what it means for Black women to prioritize pleasure and joy.Listen to the full episode here and find Sex Ed with DB wherever you get your podcasts.Learn more about Dr. Candice Nicole: drcandicenicole.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Black women are reimagining wellness on their own terms—beyond trends, beyond performance. In this episode, we explore what it really means to opt out, slow down, and live well.In today’s conversation, Dr. Cassandre Dunbar is joined by Dominique Fluker, contributing lifestyle editor at Essence, writer, interior designer, and wellness storyteller. Together, they unpack the evolution of wellness for Black women, the pressure to perform self-care online, and how community, authenticity, and creativity are helping us reclaim what it means to be well.You’ll hear about:Dominique’s bold leap from tech to journalism (without a backup plan)How Essence is shifting the narrative around Black women and wellnessThe rise of revolutionary rest and opting out as resistanceWhy “soft life” is about healing, not consumptionWellness trends to be cautious of—including AI therapy and TikTok fadsThe impact of curated home spaces on emotional well-beingAnd why human connection is still our most powerful medicineThis episode is a love letter to self-trust, slowing down, and designing a life that reflects who you truly are.Guest Spotlight: Dominique B. Fluker is a nationally recognized multimedia journalist, editor, content marketer, and interior design storyteller based in Los Angeles. She currently is the Contributing Lifestyle Editor at ESSENCE Magazine. She has created purpose-driven and multicultural content for iconic web and print publications like ForbesWomen, Glamour Magazine, ESSENCE Magazine, Travel & Leisure, Business Insider, Women’s Health, Variety, and more. As a culture and entertainment enthusiast, she's interviewed legendary celebrities such as Oprah, Toni Braxton, John Legend, Tracee Ellis Ross, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Robin Roberts, Serena Williams, and more. As an established advocate for diversity and inclusion within the tech and entertainment industries, she's also a noted public speaker, moderator, host, on-camera talent, red-carpet correspondent, and thought leader. Dominique has found solace in curating physical spaces while creating a name for herself at the intersection of digital content curation and editorial storytelling. She believes interior design is an extension of thoughtful storytelling. 2021 marked Dominique's official foray into professional interior styling with the launch of her first business, DBF Interiors. She has been featured as an interior design expert in Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, and more. Connect with Dominique: Follow her on Instagram @dominiquebflukerConnect with her on LinkedIn Connect with me on socials- join the Be Well,Sis tribe on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube , and subscribe to the newsletter or buy me a coffee!If this episode resonated with you- share with a friend!We're supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital- head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact.Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have you’re on Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show!Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert.Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the “right” things—showing up for work, taking care of everyone, checking all the boxes—but inside, you feel numb, disconnected, or just... not okay, this episode is for you.This week on Be Well, Sis, I’m joined by the brilliant Dr. Judith Joseph, a board-certified psychiatrist and researcher, to talk about something that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: high functioning depression.We often associate depression with what we see—sadness, withdrawal, tears. But what happens when it looks more like achievement, perfectionism, and over-functioning? When the pain hides behind productivity? That’s where this conversation begins.Dr. Judith breaks down what high functioning depression actually is, why it’s often missed in clinical settings, and how trauma, societal pressure, and internalized expectations can all contribute to emotional burnout, anhedonia (the loss of joy), and disconnection.She also introduces her powerful framework, the Five V’s to Thriving—a model that prioritizes validation, venting, values, vitals, and vision to support true emotional well-being.In this episode, we explore:What high functioning depression really looks and feels likeThe link between trauma, anhedonia, and collective numbnessHow societal expectations can mask mental health struggles in high-achieving womenWhy validation and venting are essential for healingThe Five V’s to Thriving and how to use them as tools for personal growthWhy joy is an experience, not an achievementHow to stop chasing external validation and start doing the inner work of self-careDr. Judith also speaks candidly about how mental wellness is deeply connected to relationships, rest, and reimagining what success and happiness truly mean—especially for Black women and women of color who are often taught to suppress their feelings to survive.This episode is for you if:You feel emotionally drained, even when everything looks “fine” on the outsideYou’ve normalized burnout and high stress as your baselineYou’re curious about new ways to think about healing and emotional regulationYou’re doing the work, but still feel like joy is just out of reachYou want to understand your mental health through both a clinical and compassionate lensAbout Dr. Judith Joseph:Dr. Judith Joseph is a board-certified psychiatrist, media expert, and mental health advocate whose work bridges the gap between clinical research and culturally competent care. Her mission is to empower people—especially those in marginalized communities—to prioritize their mental wellness with evidence-based, heart-centered tools.🔗 Learn more about here📲 Follow Dr. Judith on InstagramMentioned in this episode:Click here to purchase Dr. Judith’s High Functioning: Overcome Your Hidden Depression and Reclaim Your Joy!More on High Functioning Depression here and hereLooking to go deeper?✨Join Replenished audio wellness series here✨ Subscribe to Be Well, Sis wherever you listen to podcasts💌 Subscribe to the newsletter!📱 Follow me on Instagram: @bewellsis_podcastIf this episode hit home, I’d love for you to leave a review or share it with someone who needs to know they’re not alone.-We're supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital- head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact.Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have you’re on Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show!Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert.Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.